ERIC Number: EJ1314526
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Sep
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0031-9120
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Sixty-One Ways to Measure the Height of a Building: An Introduction to Experimental Practices
Bouquet, F.; Bobroff, J.; Kolli, A.; Organtini, G.
Physics Education, v56 n5 Article 055022 Sep 2021
We created an introductory physics activity for undergraduate students, consisting of measuring the same physical quantity by different methods. This allows us to confront students with questions of uncertainty, precision, and model versus theory. The aim was to measure the height of a building using only a smartphone and everyday low-cost equipment. We designed 61 methods to do so and tested most of them. These methods can be implemented in various pedagogical scenarios, engaging students in concrete tasks that are outside the lab and easily set up at almost zero cost.
Descriptors: Physics, College Science, Undergraduate Study, Measurement Techniques, Telecommunications, Handheld Devices, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Science Experiments, Motion, Trigonometry, Photography
IOP Publishing. 190 North Independence Mall West Suite 601, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 215-627-0880; Fax: 215-627-0879; e-mail: ped@ioppublishing.org; Web site: https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0031-9120
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A